Some Gifts Just Aren't Meant For Kids: Please Give Responsibly

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 30, 2015) - As the holiday season approaches, BCLC is reminding parents and all adults that lottery tickets, including Scratch & Wins, are appropriate only for players 19 years of age or older.

"Some gifts just aren't meant for kids. While our Scratch & Win games are popular gifts and stocking stuffers, these are a form of gambling," says Kahlil Philander, BCLC Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. "We like to take the opportunity at this time of year, the peak holiday shopping season, to encourage responsible gambling behaviour and reinforce the message that our lottery products are not for children or youth."

To encourage responsible play and responsible gift-giving, BCLC is sharing this message through online, print and radio advertising, social media and a network of digital signage at more than 4,000 lottery retailers and all casinos and community gaming centres across the province. BCLC joins gaming jurisdictions across North America and Europe who are also encouraging players to gamble responsibly and limit access to gambling products by minors.

"We encourage parents to start a conversation with their children about the risks of gambling and do their part to prevent them from participating by not giving them lottery tickets as gifts," adds Philander.

BCLC has supported the National Council of Problem Gambling and McGill University's Holiday Campaign for eight years, which encourages lotteries in the United States, Canada and around the world to promote this important message.

Please visit www.gamesense.ca to learn more about the comprehensive programs in place to help players make informed choices about gambling. BCLC also encourages parents and other adults to access our GameSense for Parents program which gives parents tools and supports to start a conversation with kids about gambling.

BCLC is a provincial Crown Corporation that offers socially responsible gaming entertainment while generating income that benefits all British Columbians.